Dance Studio Celebrates Over 30 Years of Service

Ellen Seelen, who owns and manages the , has been teaching dance for over 50 years and cannot think of doing anything else.

“It’s what I do. It’s my life. It keeps the cobwebs out of your head.”

The  has been open and operating for over 31 years. Seelen said that dancing can help with obesity and depression. She added that it could keep people “fit and active.”

“People have problems, but every time, they dance. They find comfort. It’s like a healing.”

Private and group lessons are available seven days a week for all ages from pre-school to adults. People can learn all types of dance including:

• Cha Cha
• Waltz
• Swing
• Polka
• Salsa
• Tango
• Latin
• International Dance
• American Dance
• Country Western
• Line Dancing

Some of Seelen’s clients have been dancing with her for 25 years. Most of Seelen’s students still compete today. Even at 74, Seelen still competes.

The studio offers competition training for pro-am and amateur. The studio has produced five national champions.

Seelen started her dance career working on cruise ships and worked with Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis and Jackie Mason.

“No one has my experience,” Seelen said. She still has the menus from many of the cruise ships that she worked on.

There are adult dances Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights with classes taking place beforehand. The next event at the club will be the Halloween Party on Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. with prizes for best costumes.

Seelen has had some troubles with signs being stolen from the outside of the studio. She has also had problems recently bringing in new clients. She often sees people driving by the club, but they may not have “the courage” to come inside.

“We haven’t had many beginners.”

She said that people often come in before their weddings. However, the show "Dancing with the Stars" was not been good for business.

"It did not bring in clients," Seelen said. She feels the down economy has hurt business as well.

However, she said people still want to learn how to dance.

“They are coming slowly, but surely.”

For more information, call 860-529-2888 or visit their website.